Obama Takes Rare Stroll to Sign Spending Bill

US President Barack Obama walks out of the gates of the White House in West Executive Drive as he crosses the street to the New Executive Office Building to sign the omnibus spending bill in Washington on January 17, 2014.

Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

As public housing goes, the White House isn’t too shabby. But the massive security apparatus surrounding the modern presidency can make the first family feel a little cooped up.

On Friday afternoon, hours after delivering his speech announcing changes in U.S. surveillance practices, President Barack Obama decided it was time for a walk.

So he left the White House grounds for a quick stroll to the New Executive Office Building, north of the White House, where he signed the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill. It was a good day for a walk. The rains that have soaked Washington, D.C., over the past weeks had subsided; the temp was 46 degrees.

“Whenever I get the chance to take a walk I seize it,” Mr. Obama said, opening his remarks, according to the press pool report.

Working his smartphone, Pres Obama walks out of WH heading to bill signing for Consolidated Appropriations Bill. pic.twitter.com/2mNSRnUsEE

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